University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham is the UK's only private University. It is very small and right-wing, though the Vice-Chancellor, Terence Kealey, prefers the label libertarian. The idea for the university germinated at the Institute of Economic Affairs, and it was founded in 1973 with the support of Harry Ferns and Ralph Harris. Its links with the IEA continue to this day, through publications, conferences, and shared staff members (Julian Morris and Dennis O'Keeffe).

During 2002, the University was in the process of starting up a new think tank, the Centre for the Study of Liberty, for which it recruited several new members of staff - most notably Roger Scruton, Anthony O'Hear, Dennis O'Keeffe, and Chris Woodhead. Indications are that this think tank will be directed at promoting ideas regarding the liberalisation/privatisation of the British education system. 

Margaret Thatcher is a notable and vocal supporter of the University, having formally opening it in 1976, and having been its Chancellor from 1992 until 1998. The awards day at the University is called Thatcher Day. In November 2000, Margaret Thatcher's husband, Denis, was awarded an honorary degree by the university for being an "English gentleman"

Selected departments / staff
Economics and International Studies
 * Mr Julian Morris (Visiting Professor)
 * Mr Malcolm Rees
 * Professor Martin Ricketts (Dean of School)
 * Professor Norman Barry
 * John Jewkes

Education
 * Professor Anthony O'Hear
 * Professor Roger Scruton
 * Professor Chris Woodhead
 * Professor Dennis O'Keeffe

Politics
 * Professor Norman Barry
 * Dr David Green (Visiting Professor)
 * Dr Tim Stringer

Honourary Degrees

 * Margaret Thatcher 1986
 * Denis Thatcher
 * Michael Misick
 * Matt Ridley 2003
 * Sir Martin Evans
 * John Blundell, Honourary Doctorate
 * Frank Field
 * Pravind Jugnauth
 * Alistair Alcock 2008 Doctor of Laws
 * Wilhelm Carl Bourne 2008 Doctor of Laws
 * Ejup Ganic 2008 Doctor of Science
 * Anatole Kaletsky
 * Elizabeth Butler-Sloss 2006
 * Oleg Gordievsky 2005
 * Sir Stanley Kalms 2002
 * Lord Browne of Madingley 2004
 * Casper Weinberger 1995
 * Václav Klaus 1996

Contact details
Hunter Street Buckingham MK18 1EG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1280 814080 Fax: +44 (0)1280 822245 Email: info AT buckingham.ac.uk Web: http://www.buckingham.ac.uk

External Resources

 * Powerbase University of Buckingham